Polycom expands KIRK family of DECT solutions
IP phone giant Polycom began selling its SIP-based KIRK Wireless Server (KWS) 600v3 wireless DECT (digital enhanced cordless telecommunications) server in North America a little over a year ago. (It had previously been available only in Europe, where DECT is a well-established standard.)

The system, which allows a company to maintain separate wireless voice and data networks, has proved popular, and Polycom this week announced two new models that extend the product family both upwards and downwards, in terms of scale.

The KIRK Polycom 5040 Handset

Whereas the KWS 600v3 was designed to support about 1,500 handsets and 320 simultaneous calls at full, multi-cell capacity, the new KWS 300 is a relatively inexpensive single-cell solution that supports a maximum of 12 handsets and 4 simultaneous calls.

At the other end of the spectrum, the new KWS 6000 is designed to support 4,000 handsets and 1,000 simultaneous callswhen maxed out with 256 base stations and KIRK Media Resource software.

All the solutions support KIRK Repeaters that extend coverage.

Also announced this week is a new addition to the KIRK handset line, a lightweight, high-featured phone of elegant design that features a silent ring mode, variable ring tones and a long life lithium-ion battery. The phone has a large color screen and accommodates a wired headset for hands-free use or a Bluetooth headset for wireless use.

The newly announced products are available through Polycom's reseller network. The KWS 300 is priced at US$360, the KWS 6000 is US$1,200 with a single radio or base station, and, as mentioned, is expandable. The KIRK 5040 handset retails at US$310.

Konftel launches SIP version of multi-talented conference phone
Conference phone specialist Konftel, headquartered in Sweden, today joined the very select group of vendors that offer an IP-based conference phone, with the announcement of the Konftel 300IP, a SIP-based unit with a number of innovative capabilities.

The 300IP, which sports Konftel's patented OmniSound 2.0 technology for improved audio quality, can be connected either to an IP PBX or directly to a SIP trunk. The phone is based on the SIP standard (RFC 3261) and is compatible with most SIP platforms on the market. The unit supports PoE (power over Ethernet), and thus does not require a separate power connection.

Feature innovations begin with the 300IP's unique ability to connect multi-party local calls with up to five participants without a bridge. It is also capable of recording calls on SD memory cardsanother first, as far as we're aware.

A 'conference guide' feature eases the task of connecting groups of conferees that meet regularly by letting users create pre-program speed-dial-able groups. Web-based configuration streamlines installation and a network-based directory makes it easy to locate contacts. Individuals can create passworded personal profiles in the system to contain their own contacts and settings.

The Konftel 300IP can be adapted for large meeting rooms with the addition of expansion microphones. The phone's firmware can be upgraded with new features, making it future-proof.

The Konftel 300IP will be available as of mid-December 2008, through Konftel's network of distributors and authorized resellers.

tstevenson@internet.com

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